Research

How can we learn about the causes and modifiers of human
suffering when strong experimental methods are not ethical or feasible?
One approach is to collect systematic observational data, and to
attempt to identify structural relations among the variables. This
approach is greatly aided by the development of sophisticated
multivariate statistical methods that allow variables to be controlled
statistically in mathematical models of the human suffering and coping.
However, such models are never perfect. They need constant scrutiny,
critical appraisal, and further development. My research is on the
interface of developing methodology and substantive psychological
questions in social psychology, specifically social support in intimate
relationships.

My methodologic research has been primarily in psychometrics, sampling,
and multilevel models for analysis of growth and change. Current
interests include problems of model specification in logistic
regression, the design of longitudinal studies, and mediation analysis.
I am also particularly interested in statistical approaches to studies
of dependent processes in social relationships. Finally, I am
interested in the social psychology of response effects in surveys.

My current social psychology research is on coping and support
processes that are available to stressed persons who have intimate
relatinships. We are trying to understand why well intented support
efforts by intimate partners sometimes have short term negative
consequences. I retain interests in mental health epidemiology,
particularly as applied to Latino populations.

At NYU I run the NYU
Couples Research Lab in the Social Psychology area. We are carrying
out a series of studies of the costs and benefits of social support
during stressful times using diary methods. In several of the studies,
we convinced both partners in intimate relationships to tell us about
their coping, support and functioning on a daily basis for a month or
more. We are pursuing both substantive and methodological research
questions with these data. Our lab collaborates with the lab of Niall Bolger at
Columbia University.

Our current study, the Exam Preparation Study asks college students to
report on their lives while they prepare for challenging academic tests.